Junior Grand Prix Final

Juniors Shine on the Grand Stage

Russia Sweeps Ladies and Dance Podiums

The level of skating at the 2011/2012 Junior Grand Prix Final was an unprecedented showcase of great things to come in the sport of figure skating heading into the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

The Russian team collected six medals after sweeping both the ladies and ice dance podiums. The U.S. captured three medals (one gold and two bronze), while China went home with two (gold and silver) and Canada claimed one (silver).

It was only the second time in the 14-year history of the event that the ladies podium had been swept by one nation. The U.S. ladies made history with their clean sweep in 2006.

Julia Lipnitskaya, who placed fourth at Russian senior nationals last season, caused a sensation in Québec City. The 13-year-old was golden at both of her Grand Prix events earlier in the season but her performances at the Final were outstanding. She ran away with the Grand Prix Final title by more than 17 points over her closest rival.